Thousands of protesters gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, rallying in support of former President Raúl Castro, who has been indicted by the United States.
Havana, Cuba – According to AFP, on Friday, thousands of demonstrators waving Cuban flags assembled in front of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, expressing solidarity with former President Raúl Castro, who faces charges brought by the United States. "Long live Raúl!" the crowd chanted, including Cuba's current president and other senior officials dressed in military uniforms.
Ninety-four-year-old Raúl Castro, younger brother of Fidel Castro, was charged with murder and other offenses on Wednesday related to the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft — marking the latest development in U.S. President Trump's campaign to pressure the leaders of Cuba's Communist Party.
Raúl Castro did not attend the rally. The event took place in a park directly opposite the U.S. Embassy, known as the "Anti-Imperialist Platform."
However, members of Raúl Castro’s family were present among the attendees, including his daughter, Member of Parliament Mariela Castro, and his son Alejandro Castro. Alejandro played a key role in the secret negotiations that led to the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States in 2015.
Geraldo Hernández, formerly a Cuban spy for the U.S. who was released in 2015, told the crowd he brought a message from Castro.
Hernández said the former president "sincerely thanked our people for their unity," and affirmed, "As long as he lives, he will continue leading our people and defending our revolution."
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1865963813769289/
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